Even when you do your best to meal plan and grocery shop for the week, there are still days that end up being so hectic that it’s hard to find the time for a healthy meal. When that happens, energy bars can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re running errands, sneaking a snack before you have time to sit down for lunch, or staving off hunger after a tough workout, be sure to choose your energy bar wisely. (We have tips about that below.) Read on to stock your car, your office desk, your pantry, and your gym bag with the best fuel for every diet.

Types of Energy Bars

There’s a time and a place for every kind of energy bar.

Pre-workout or post-workout: If you’re heading to the gym and need extra fuel, have a few bites of an energy bar that’ll give you extra fuel to power through a session, or replenish your muscles after the fact.

Gluten-free: These grains naturally lack gluten, which are great for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Meal replacements: It’s always ideal to sit down for three healthy meals, but when you’re on the go, you can still enjoy some essential nutrients in bar form.

Mid-morning: Finding yourself hungry between breakfast and lunch? Try an energy bar with added protein to help keep you full until the main event.

Travel days: Stuck in an airport terminal without great food options? Hungry on a cross-country flight? Be sure to tuck an energy bar (or three) into your carry on.

Top Energy Bars Brands

From coconut cream pie to blueberry muffins, Larabar will make you forget you’re actually eating an energy bar. The brand uses minimal ingredients to make nourishing, plant-based treats that are non-GMO, vegan, and fair trade certified.

Health Warrior takes a cue from the wisdom of the ancient Aztecs, which is why every bar is made with one powerhouse superfood: chia seeds. Flavors like caramel sea salt, dark chocolate, and coconut are sure to please.

Best Gluten-Free Energy Bars

Just because you’re eating gluten-free doesn’t mean you don’t need energy. Here are the bars that work.

It might not be a slice of warm apple pie, but these bars are the next best thing. With 5 grams of fiber per serving, each bar serves up a quarter cup of fruit and is perfectly spiced with cinnamon. Raisins and walnuts add extra flavor.

Wake up to a quick breakfast featuring some of your favorite flavors. The bars in this 12-pack box are made with creamy peanut butter, cashews, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, hemp seeds, and lightly sweetened with coconut sugar. Adaptogenic reishi makes an appearance, too.

Here’s an easy way to load up on extra servings of fruit and veggies. This snack has strawberries, spinach, cashews, apricots, and delivers calcium and iron, plus 5 grams of dietary fiber. Store this snack pack at your desk for easy access.

Dark chocolate and mint are a decadent flavor combo that normally come together in a sweet treat, but in this bar, they’re serving up a whopping 12 grams of protein. It makes for a satisfying snack that feels more like a guilty pleasure.